Pediatric Liver Care Center Glossary
This glossary has been developed by the Pediatric Liver Care Center at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. It provides you with some words you may hear during your child's evaluation and treatment.
A | B | C | D | E | G | H | I
J | K | M l N | P | R | T | U | V
A
- Acute liver failure
- A sudden onset of liver failure in a previously healthy person.
- Albumin
- Protein produced by the liver. It is also a measure of liver function.
- Ascites
- Fluid that collects in the abdomen.
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B
- Bile
- Yellowish-green fluid produced by the liver which helps in digestion of food.
- Bile duct
- A duct that carries bile from the liver to the intestine.
- Biliary atresia
- A disease of the liver that destroys bile ducts; it is progressive and life threatening.
- Bilirubin
- A substance formed during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Elevated levels of bilirubin turn the skin a yellowish color (jaundice).
- Biopsy
- Removal of a small piece of tissue for study under a microscope.
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C
- Central venous catheter (C-Line)
- An intravenous catheter threaded into a large vein to give fluids and medicines. It is placed by a surgeon, usually in the operating room.
- Cholangitis
- Inflammation of the bile ducts of the liver.
- Cholestasis
- Slowing or stoppage of bile flow.
- Cirrhosis
- Scarring; hardening of the liver.
- Culture
- A sample of body fluids or secretions taken to check for bacteria or viruses when infection is suspected. Cultures are often done on blood, urine and stool.
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D
- Distension
- An increase in the girth (measurement) of the abdomen.
- Doppler ultrasound
- A radiological study used to see blood flowing through vessels; especially used immediately after liver transplant to make sure the blood is flowing to the new organ. The procedure is painless; however, some children need to be sedated.
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E
- Edema
- Swelling or puffiness caused by extra water in body tissues, especially seen in the skin (hands and feet or legs); caused by too much fluid in the tissues.
- Electrodes
- Tiny wire discs placed on the skin to monitor heart rate, breathing and temperature.
- Electrolytes
- Salt-like substances in the blood, including sodium, potassium and chloride, which must be kept at normal levels in order for body organs to function properly.
- Endotracheal tube (ET tube)
- A tube leading from the nose or mouth into the lungs that is attached to a breathing machine (respirator or ventilator) to help breathing.
- Extubation
- The process of removing a breathing tube.
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G
- Gastroenterologist
- A doctor who specializes in the care of those with liver or intestinal diseases.
- Graft
- An organ for transplant.
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H
- Hematocrit
- A test measuring the amount of red blood cells in the blood.
- Hepatic
- Relating to the liver.
- Hepatitis
- An infection or inflammation of liver tissue.
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I
- Immunosuppression
- Medical therapy designed to decrease immune response to a transplanted organ and prevent rejection of the new organ.
- Intake and output (I&O)
- A measurement of how much food or IV fluid your child has taken in, and how much has come out in urine and stool.
- Intubation
- The process of inserting the breathing (endotracheal) tube.
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J
- Jaundice
- The term used to describe the yellowing of the skin. This can be caused by elevated bilirubin levels in the blood.
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K
- Kasai procedure
- A surgical procedure to restore bile flow in children with biliary atresia.
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M
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- A radiological procedure that takes pictures of the internal organ's size, shape and blood flow. This procedure is painless, and is more detailed than an ultrasound. Some children need to be sedated.
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N
- Nasogastric (NG) tube
- A tube placed into the stomach through the nose or mouth to provide food and medications or to remove stomach contents.
- NPO
- A Latin term meaning "nothing by mouth."
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P
- Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC line)
- An IV placed in a large vein when IV fluids or medicines are needed for a long time.
- Portal hypertension
- A condition in which the pressure of the blood flowing through the portal vein is increased.
- Pulse oximeter
- A monitor that measures the amount of oxygen carried by the blood.
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R
- Rejection
- Attack of the transplant organ by the immune system.
- Rounds
- The time when the doctors, nurses, residents and other members of the health care team physically examine your child, discuss his or her condition and plan for the day.
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T
- Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
- A way of nourishing children through their veins (intravenously) with a solution of vitamins, minerals, protein, glucose and lipids.
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U
- Ultrasound
- A radiological procedure used to take pictures of organs. The procedure is painless; however, some children need to be sedated.
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V
- Varices
- Enlarged tortuous vein with portal hypertension. High pressures in the veins cause them to distend or become engorged. In people with liver disease, the varices are usually found in the stomach, esophagus and surrounding the liver.
- Ventilator
- A machine that breathes for your child.
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Written 5/03, rev. 9/04, 6/05
